I got this key to replace a long one that just stuck out too far. This is a perfect size, since my valve is just inside the wall. The bronze goes with the fire pit block color, although the chrome versions would look good too. It's made of metal, and very sturdy.
Reviews and questions on other keys asked about dimensions, so here are some photos with rulers and notes.
The key is 3 inches from the tip to before the handle. The handle is 1 inch, so the full length is 4 inches. (The camera angle makes it look a little longer than 4").
But, the important distances are from where the valve stem lands inside the key tip, to the handle. This is the farthest it will reach and still work. That is, if your valve is 3" inside the wall, this will just touch it, but won't grab it. So it's more like 2-1/2" to 2-3/4" maximum reach.
I have a 1/4" valve, so this key works great. It has a solid feel, gets onto the valve the full 1/2" depth, and feels correct turning it on and off.
The 5/16" valve is a little bit dicier. The depth is only 3/16", so you'll definitely need to reach the valve and get the key on it as much as possible. Even then, that's not a lot to grip, so it may tend to roll off.
For 1/4" valves, I played some games with my socket set:
One person had a valve where the key didn't quite reach it, so it would roll instead of gripping. You could add a 1/4" drive socket extension to it, and make it as long as you need. This works well, but the key won't "hold" the extension like a socket wrench, so it can pull off. The little 1" extension is cute, but if it's inside, it could get left in there when the key is pulled out. For me, the 2" extension stuck out of the wall a little, so I could grab it if the key came off it.
Finally, before the key arrived, I had made my own out of a few socket parts. A metric 18 mm socket did well as a handle grip, and I probably never used it for anything else. Add a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter, the 2" extension, and I had a great little key! Granted, it had a low WAF, so we bought this official one.
(Edit: I edited a couple words, and added a zoomed image of the dimensions.)
Stanbroil Universal 3-Inch Gas Valve Key Fits 1/4" and 5/16" Turn Ball Valve for Gas Fire Pits and Fireplaces, Antique Copper
4.7 | 3,335 ratings
Price: 6.99
Last update: 12-25-2024
About this item
Length Size: 3-Inch
Decorative valve key for a superior look
Solid plated key with Antique Copper finish
Fit with both 1/4" and 5/16" gas valve stems to Shut off/on the valve
Durable Construction & Precision Machined, Perfect Choice for Fire pit & Fireplace Applications
Decorative valve key for a superior look
Solid plated key with Antique Copper finish
Fit with both 1/4" and 5/16" gas valve stems to Shut off/on the valve
Durable Construction & Precision Machined, Perfect Choice for Fire pit & Fireplace Applications
Product information
| Color | Antique Copper |
|---|---|
| Brand | Stanbroil |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Length | 3 Inches |
| Item Weight | 0.01 Pounds |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Head Style | Fixed Square |
| Finish Type | Painted, Polished |
| Operation Mode | Mechanical |
| Manufacturer | Stanbroil |
| UPC | 703194459608 |
| Item Weight | 0.16 ounces |
| ASIN | B01ENIMUDE |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | B003-3-AC |
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
3,330 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #910 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #2 in Fire Pit & Outdoor Fireplace Parts |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Top reviews from the United States
goodeyeGreat key, nice little size, solid feel, and here are the dimensions.
goodeye
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2017
Reviews and questions on other keys asked about dimensions, so here are some photos with rulers and notes.
The key is 3 inches from the tip to before the handle. The handle is 1 inch, so the full length is 4 inches. (The camera angle makes it look a little longer than 4").
But, the important distances are from where the valve stem lands inside the key tip, to the handle. This is the farthest it will reach and still work. That is, if your valve is 3" inside the wall, this will just touch it, but won't grab it. So it's more like 2-1/2" to 2-3/4" maximum reach.
I have a 1/4" valve, so this key works great. It has a solid feel, gets onto the valve the full 1/2" depth, and feels correct turning it on and off.
The 5/16" valve is a little bit dicier. The depth is only 3/16", so you'll definitely need to reach the valve and get the key on it as much as possible. Even then, that's not a lot to grip, so it may tend to roll off.
For 1/4" valves, I played some games with my socket set:
One person had a valve where the key didn't quite reach it, so it would roll instead of gripping. You could add a 1/4" drive socket extension to it, and make it as long as you need. This works well, but the key won't "hold" the extension like a socket wrench, so it can pull off. The little 1" extension is cute, but if it's inside, it could get left in there when the key is pulled out. For me, the 2" extension stuck out of the wall a little, so I could grab it if the key came off it.
Finally, before the key arrived, I had made my own out of a few socket parts. A metric 18 mm socket did well as a handle grip, and I probably never used it for anything else. Add a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter, the 2" extension, and I had a great little key! Granted, it had a low WAF, so we bought this official one.
(Edit: I edited a couple words, and added a zoomed image of the dimensions.)
Images in this review
Michael GDurable Gas Key! Perfect fit
SandyEggoWorked great
Joel and Jillian FullerYou need this!!
Joel and Jillian Fuller
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
Images in this review
Freddie WellsGood product. I recommend it.
Amazon CustomerLove the long length
LynellJust what I wanted.
Chuan Yan